Monolith by Monoprice Liquid Spark Headphone Amplifier by Alex Cavalli
Product # 33304
UPC # 889028084601
$129.99
$199.99
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and 118 answers
Can a USB to stereo RCA cable be used for the input of this headphone amp?
A shopper
on Feb 8, 2019
BEST ANSWER: No. The USB is a digital connection and the RCA is for analog connections. The cable is not converting the digital signal to analog. You need to have a DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) to do the conversion. Once the signal is converted to analog you can connect an RCA cable from the output of the DAC to the RCA input of this headphone amplifier.
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- Stuart L on Feb 9, 2019
- Purchased on Jan 19, 2019
BEST ANSWER: No. The USB is a digital connection and the RCA is for analog connections. The cable is not converting the digital signal to analog. You need to have a DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) to do the conversion. Once the signal is converted to analog you can connect an RCA cable from the output of the DAC to the RCA input of this headphone amplifier.
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- Stuart L on Feb 9, 2019
- Purchased on Jan 19, 2019
Yes, as long as your cable has a DAC in between. I understand that you have a cable that you connect to your PC on the USB port and has RCA on the other side, that means that the cable does have a mini DAC in between. You simply have to plug on the RCA input ports any cable that has a line Audio signal. Just be sure that your cable does not have an already amplified signal or you won't get the desired performance with this and any other amp. If you by the other side, mean that you want to plug the RCA to your source device and the USB to this amp, then No, as this amp does not have an integrated ADC nor a DAC and it won't make sense, in that case you need a cable with twin RCA to RCA and you would connect it to the Line out of your source device and to the Input signal of this amp.
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- Carlos Federico L on Feb 8, 2019
- Purchased on Jan 24, 2019
I use my iPad for streaming flac files from my hard drives via Plex, Mp3s via Spotify and YouTube, and HQ files via Amazon Music HD, and Qobuz. I use a, lightning to usb a, camera adapter and a good quality monoprice usb cable to connect to my DAC/Liquid Spark amplifier with very good results. You could save a few dollars and use a lightening to usb c converter and a cheap dongle usb c, dongle DAC. To 3.5mm to rca cable to the Liquid Spark. But, ...well..., penny wise pound foolish is what I learned as a child. Now, I say “buy once cry once! YMMV. Cheers!
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- New User U on Mar 3, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 29, 2019
The headphone amp is expecting and analog signal. If your USB to stereo RCA cable is converting the digital audio signl to analog it should work. I am currently using an standalone DAC connected to my computer via USB and connected to my headphone amp via RCA cable.
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- Howard S. A on Feb 8, 2019
- Purchased on Jan 15, 2019
Unless the USB - RCA has a built in DAC, no this won't work. When plugging in the cable Windows would recognize it as a separate audio device and allow you to output audio through it. You can test with the right adapters.
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- Ryan G on Feb 9, 2019
- Purchased on Jan 17, 2019
Anything that terminates in a male stereo rca cable can be hooked into this amp.
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- David A on Feb 8, 2019
- Purchased on Jan 28, 2019
I don’t believe so. The input is a standard quarter inch
Headphone plug.
Headphone plug.
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- Frank B on Feb 8, 2019
- Purchased on Jan 16, 2019
Yes, if your cable is DAC - Digital (USB) to Analog (RCA) Converter
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- Leonid D on Mar 4, 2024
- Purchased on Mar 1, 2024
No USB support that I can see. Only analog inputs
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- Walt M on Feb 8, 2019
- Purchased on Dec 27, 2018
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My iTunes library is on my iPad. Can I run the iPad out of its headphone jack into this amp via a 3.5mm-to-RCA cable, then plug my headphones into amp? Pros and cons?
Eric B
on Dec 4, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Its fine. Get the JDS Atom instead. Mire powerful
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- kevin I on Dec 4, 2018
- Purchased on Oct 4, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Its fine. Get the JDS Atom instead. Mire powerful
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- kevin I on Dec 4, 2018
- Purchased on Oct 4, 2018
Pro tip: When connecting to an iPad or notebook's headphone-out jack to the amp,
- set your volume level on the iPad to no more than 80 to 90 % of full volume, and
- only adjust your listening volume using the amp's volume knob.
This preserves a little headroom on the output of the iPad, to avoid clipping and distortion, but gives you most of the dynamic range of your digital source. Good as a general rule to follow when connecting any amp to a portable devices headphone-output.
- set your volume level on the iPad to no more than 80 to 90 % of full volume, and
- only adjust your listening volume using the amp's volume knob.
This preserves a little headroom on the output of the iPad, to avoid clipping and distortion, but gives you most of the dynamic range of your digital source. Good as a general rule to follow when connecting any amp to a portable devices headphone-output.
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- PAUL R T on Apr 25, 2019
- Purchased on Oct 10, 2018
Sure. Like any electronics, you just have to match your input and outputs. It sounds like you have both identified so it’ll work just fine. The only other solution is to put an external DAC between the laptop and the amp. Small sound quality improvement if you do.
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- L O on Dec 4, 2018
- Purchased on Oct 4, 2018
Yes, this amp will work with headphone level output from a mobile device. Will need to keep the volume on the source (ipad) reasonable to avoid clipping. Pro is cheaper than running a dedicated dac between source and amp, con is not quite as good result.
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- Ryan G on Dec 5, 2018
- Purchased on Oct 9, 2018
Yes you can use the 3.5mm haedphone jack from your Ipad to the RCA input and i find this solution works very well. Not much pros and cons just that it is more difficult to get such connectors.
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- Darren Q on Dec 5, 2018
- Purchased on Oct 4, 2018
Yes. All you need is a 3.5mm to stereo RCA cable. You're not getting the highest quality sound from your iPad, but it will work just fine.
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- C H on Dec 4, 2018
- Purchased on Oct 4, 2018
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Some reviewers tout a "tube like" sound when reviewing this amp. Do the "pre-outs" benefit from this sound character as well? I will be using this primarily to control my powered studio monitors for now.
Olaff R
on Feb 19, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Calling it “tube-like” is pretty generous. It may be ever so slightly warmer than neutral but it’s not like a tube amp at all except it runs warm.
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- L O on Feb 19, 2019
- Purchased on Oct 4, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Calling it “tube-like” is pretty generous. It may be ever so slightly warmer than neutral but it’s not like a tube amp at all except it runs warm.
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- L O on Feb 19, 2019
- Purchased on Oct 4, 2018
In my experience, yes. I have owned several tube amps - including a really great Onix Melody 3 - and when used as a preamp this does smooth out many of the harsh characteristics of digital audio, whether from my computer (Dell>Modi 3> liquid spark>Tube Depot Cube 7)>Lucid White Omnis) or from my iPads (iPad>Spark>Tube Cube 7 or Virtue Audio Integrated > Lucid Whites). As always, YMMV. I use the Spark 80% preamp and 20% Headphone amp. For headphones, I use either Audio Carbon Nighthawks or HiFiMan 400I
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- Michael P on Feb 19, 2019
- Purchased on Nov 2, 2018
Personally, I wouldn't consider the sound of the Spark "tube like" at all. I don't know where this originated from. While the bass is okay, the mids are recessed and the highs have a little too much "sizzle". Its sound signature is very similar to the ole' "smiley face" EQ setting. If that's your sound preference then you'll love the Spark.
To answer your question, yes the sound from the front jack and preamp outputs will be the same.
To answer your question, yes the sound from the front jack and preamp outputs will be the same.
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- foxfire3 on Feb 19, 2019
- Purchased on Nov 2, 2018
I think it does. I used a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 previously. The Liquid Spark sounds better with my Rokit 5 monitors. Imaging and instrument separation sounds and feels better. I also engage the high impedance switch when using the monitors also.
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- William C on Feb 19, 2019
- Purchased on Oct 7, 2018
William, thanks for the speedy reply. I'm using Presonus Eris 4.5s which do have a volume control but the speaker placement has put it out of convenient reach. I recently purchased a Topping D10 and am using my Schiit Fulla 2 as my volume control for now. I'd like to divorce myself from the Fulla 2 completely eventually so the Liquid Spark is in consideration. Should be good!
The sound signature will carry over to the pre outs. The tube sound is a warm signature, there are no openings amps on the output stage which gives it that warmth.
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- nick b on Feb 19, 2019
- Purchased on Nov 18, 2018
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What is in the box?
A shopper
on Apr 25, 2019
My two cents worth, Monoprice Liquid Spark does not mean that there is LIQUID inside , most probably you only can find "wire, chips & mother board" unfortunately I cannot open it up to confirm,.
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- Elson W on Apr 25, 2019
- Purchased on Oct 17, 2018
The amp. The power brick. The manual. The packing material. That's it...
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- PAUL R T on Apr 25, 2019
- Purchased on Oct 10, 2018
The amp, power supply and user guide
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- Don H on Apr 25, 2019
- Purchased on Dec 6, 2018
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Gain switch: is the quieter mode low gain and the louder high gain?
A shopper
on Dec 20, 2019
BEST ANSWER: This headphone amplifier has +3dB or +6dB gain. You use the +6dB setting for low sensitivity headphones. Low sensitivity headphone don't sound as loud as high sensitivity headphones for the same volume setting. The +6 dB setting adds 3dB of additional gain to increase the sound level. This makes up for rhe quieter sound you get from low sensitivity headphones. I noticed no difference in the residual noise floor coming from the amplifier in either setting. It sounds great!
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- Kensonic on Dec 20, 2019
- Purchased on Feb 28, 2019
BEST ANSWER: This headphone amplifier has +3dB or +6dB gain. You use the +6dB setting for low sensitivity headphones. Low sensitivity headphone don't sound as loud as high sensitivity headphones for the same volume setting. The +6 dB setting adds 3dB of additional gain to increase the sound level. This makes up for rhe quieter sound you get from low sensitivity headphones. I noticed no difference in the residual noise floor coming from the amplifier in either setting. It sounds great!
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- Kensonic on Dec 20, 2019
- Purchased on Feb 28, 2019
If you look at the full specs, you'll see that the quiet mode provides 3 db gain and the louder mode provides 6 db gain.
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- David A on Dec 20, 2019
- Purchased on Jan 28, 2019
Correct, the quieter mode is low gain and vice versa.
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- Daniel H on Dec 20, 2019
- Purchased on Mar 6, 2019
I guess you can describe it like that :) so yes.
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- Milos T on Dec 21, 2019
- Purchased on Feb 13, 2019
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It is the larger 1/4" stereo jack
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- Kensonic on Mar 27, 2019
- Purchased on Feb 28, 2019
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Does the amp has a dac?
A shopper
on Oct 9, 2018
no DAC. RCA in and RCA preamp out
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- Luan L. on Nov 2, 2018
- Purchased on Oct 18, 2018
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where can I see the manual?. The connections are confusing.
A shopper
on Jan 18, 2019
BEST ANSWER: "I" is input. Where the cable from your source goes. "O" is output. If you want to connect to some powered monitors use these RCAs
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- nick b on Jan 18, 2019
- Purchased on Nov 18, 2018
BEST ANSWER: "I" is input. Where the cable from your source goes. "O" is output. If you want to connect to some powered monitors use these RCAs
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- nick b on Jan 18, 2019
- Purchased on Nov 18, 2018
What's confusing about the connections?
On the rear panel, "I" is the inputs jacks and "P" is the volume controlled output jacks for using it as a preamplifier.
On the front panel you have a common ole' 1/4" headphone jack.
On the rear panel, "I" is the inputs jacks and "P" is the volume controlled output jacks for using it as a preamplifier.
On the front panel you have a common ole' 1/4" headphone jack.
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- foxfire3 on Jan 18, 2019
- Purchased on Nov 2, 2018
What are you finding “confusing?”
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- Kevin H on Jan 18, 2019
- Purchased on Oct 4, 2018
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How do I connect my Samsung S9+ android phone to liquid spark?
A shopper
on Nov 12, 2022
Hi,
I believe your Samsung s9+ has a standard 3.5mm TRS headphone jack. If so, you need a cable with a 3.5mm TRS connector on one end and dual RCA connectors on the other end. You would then plug the RCA connectors into the LR inputs (marked "I") on the rear of the Liquid Spark headphone amp. Sometimes music stores or online retailers will refer to this as a "Y" or breakout cable.
I am NOT affiliated with HOSA cables or Amazon, but a cable like this one shown on Amazon is likely all you need. (Cables are available in various lengths.)
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Fred
I believe your Samsung s9+ has a standard 3.5mm TRS headphone jack. If so, you need a cable with a 3.5mm TRS connector on one end and dual RCA connectors on the other end. You would then plug the RCA connectors into the LR inputs (marked "I") on the rear of the Liquid Spark headphone amp. Sometimes music stores or online retailers will refer to this as a "Y" or breakout cable.
I am NOT affiliated with HOSA cables or Amazon, but a cable like this one shown on Amazon is likely all you need. (Cables are available in various lengths.)
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Fred
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- Fred A on Nov 30, 2022
- Purchased on Oct 22, 2022
You’ll need a 3.5mm to RCA cable. There are a few listed on mono price.
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- Joan E on Nov 30, 2022
- Purchased on May 14, 2022
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Does this amp have a boost just for the Low bass and just not the overall volume?
A shopper
on Oct 3, 2024
BEST ANSWER: Hi, thank you for your question. This amp has no Equalizer adjustment or bass control setting.
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- Jhomar R Staff on Oct 4, 2024
BEST ANSWER: Hi, thank you for your question. This amp has no Equalizer adjustment or bass control setting.
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- Jhomar R Staff on Oct 4, 2024
It does not have tone controls, a multi-band equalizer or even a "loudness" button that enable boost and/or cut of various portions of the audible audio spectrum, only a volume control and a full-frequency "boost" or "cut" to tailor the output volume for various headphone impedences. Selective tone control would need to take place in the upstream preamp, for example, or a standalone upstream multi-band equalizer.
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- Brian D on Oct 3, 2024
- Purchased on Mar 1, 2024
No, the gain button provides two levels of gain to help the amp drive a variety headphones efficiently, there are no EQ or bass boost settings on the Liquid Spark.
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- Stephen C on Oct 3, 2024
- Purchased on Oct 29, 2023
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What is the output impedance of the amplifier?
A shopper
on Apr 5, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Less than 0.1 ohms and most likely less than 0.05 ohms.
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- New User U Staff on Apr 5, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Less than 0.1 ohms and most likely less than 0.05 ohms.
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- New User U Staff on Apr 5, 2018
It's less than 2 Ohms, I believe 0.9. AudioScienceReview has that measure
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- Jose A Jurado V on Jun 2, 2019
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Is this amplifier class A biased?
New User U
on Apr 14, 2018
BEST ANSWER: It is Class A biased for a little while, but as the output increases it becomes more Class AB.
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- New User U Staff on Oct 9, 2018
BEST ANSWER: It is Class A biased for a little while, but as the output increases it becomes more Class AB.
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- New User U Staff on Oct 9, 2018
No, but is a heck of an amp for what it cost and what you get. You are in a moment where you get outstanding results from this price today similar to what you used to get on amps that cost 10 times more 10 to 20 years ago.
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- Carlos Federico L on Feb 8, 2019
- Purchased on Jan 24, 2019
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Does the knob control the line-out? Does the line-out work with the unit off?
Paul S
on May 14, 2018
BEST ANSWER: It is a preamp out tapped from the headphone out. It only works when amp is on and is controlled by the volume pot. The preamp out is disabled when headphones are plugged into the jack.
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- New User U Staff on Oct 9, 2018
BEST ANSWER: It is a preamp out tapped from the headphone out. It only works when amp is on and is controlled by the volume pot. The preamp out is disabled when headphones are plugged into the jack.
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- New User U Staff on Oct 9, 2018
Yes it controls the line out, No it does not work with the unit off.
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- Joshua W on Jul 10, 2021
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does the power brick accept 220v voltage?
A shopper
on Sep 18, 2018
BEST ANSWER: The power brick is universal for global use. But, it has a US plug which can be fitted with an adapter for other countries.
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- New User U Staff on Oct 9, 2018
BEST ANSWER: The power brick is universal for global use. But, it has a US plug which can be fitted with an adapter for other countries.
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- New User U Staff on Oct 9, 2018
Yes, 110-240V. As another person noted, you will need a plug adapter outside the U.S.
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- James H on Feb 18, 2020
- Purchased on Jan 23, 2020
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Could i use this with a record player?
A shopper
on Oct 9, 2018
Only if you have a phone pre-amp stage in between. This is designed to work with line-level signals.
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- David A on Feb 8, 2019
- Purchased on Jan 28, 2019
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can you do better than label the back ports with "I" and "P" ?!
Maria C
on Oct 9, 2018
BEST ANSWER: We preferred a minimalist panel design.
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- New User U Staff on Oct 9, 2018
BEST ANSWER: We preferred a minimalist panel design.
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- New User U Staff on Oct 9, 2018
Better? I for Input, P for Pre-amp (out). Simple, elegant, easy to figure out and reasonably intuitive....'better' I suppose, but really, not an issue or deal-breaker. I mean, really...
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- PAUL R T on Oct 12, 2018
- Purchased on Oct 10, 2018
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Is there any capacitor in the signal path?
Riru L
on Dec 16, 2018
BEST ANSWER: As it says in the description under Effortless sound "It has no capacitors in the signal path".
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- Christopher G on Dec 17, 2018
- Purchased on Dec 5, 2018
BEST ANSWER: As it says in the description under Effortless sound "It has no capacitors in the signal path".
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- Christopher G on Dec 17, 2018
- Purchased on Dec 5, 2018
Without seeing a schematic, it's difficult to say whether there are any coupling caps in series with the output or not.
Most manufacturers will usually coupling caps on the inputs though just in case there is some DC present on the outputs of the source.
Most manufacturers will usually coupling caps on the inputs though just in case there is some DC present on the outputs of the source.
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- foxfire3 on Dec 16, 2018
- Purchased on Nov 2, 2018
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Can someone recommend a USB dac to use with this amp?
ayub s
on Jan 3, 2019
BEST ANSWER: I am currently using it with the Schiit Modi 2. So far I have no complaints about the Spark. I am using it with HE-400's or Isine 10's at my desk.
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- geoffrey s on Jan 4, 2019
- Purchased on Dec 16, 2018
BEST ANSWER: I am currently using it with the Schiit Modi 2. So far I have no complaints about the Spark. I am using it with HE-400's or Isine 10's at my desk.
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- geoffrey s on Jan 4, 2019
- Purchased on Dec 16, 2018
I use the Grace Design SDAC I picked up from Massdrop. It’s simple and has the same small footprint. They stack nicely and sound great. I use this combo with my M1060s and love it.
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- Brian H on Jan 3, 2019
- Purchased on Dec 18, 2018
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How much does the package with the amplifier when sending by mail?
A shopper
on Jan 25, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
I'm not entirely sure what you are asking but the box dimensions would be 22.5" x 11.7" x 16.3" (L x W x H) and weighs 32.56 lbs.
I'm not entirely sure what you are asking but the box dimensions would be 22.5" x 11.7" x 16.3" (L x W x H) and weighs 32.56 lbs.
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- Tyler C Staff on May 28, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
I'm not entirely sure what you are asking but the box dimensions would be 22.5" x 11.7" x 16.3" (L x W x H) and weighs 32.56 lbs.
I'm not entirely sure what you are asking but the box dimensions would be 22.5" x 11.7" x 16.3" (L x W x H) and weighs 32.56 lbs.
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- Tyler C Staff on May 28, 2019
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Some reviewers tout the "tube-like" sound especially in the midrange when using this amp. Would you get the same sound character from the "pre outs" as well? I would primarily use this for my powered speakers and perhaps later acquire headphones as well.
A shopper
on Feb 19, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Yes, tube circuits are in-line before all outputs.
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- Dave L Staff on Feb 19, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Yes, tube circuits are in-line before all outputs.
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- Dave L Staff on Feb 19, 2019
To correct Dave'L's comment, this model has no tubes. I was just talking about some reviewers saying that this unit has "tube like tendencies". Especially in the midrange. This claim is disputed by some so the debate continues.
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- Olaff R on Feb 20, 2019
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My unit gets very warm, like a type A (but it is not). Is this normal?
A shopper
on Feb 19, 2019
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Is a DAC needed for this?
A shopper
on Mar 9, 2019
BEST ANSWER: It will amplify the signal (i.e., make louder) anything you input to it. You can input directly from your phone jack or your PC's 3.5mm aux out. You don't need a separate standalone DAC but a DAC generally will provide better sound quality than your phone or PC.
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- D J on Mar 9, 2019
- Purchased on Feb 24, 2019
BEST ANSWER: It will amplify the signal (i.e., make louder) anything you input to it. You can input directly from your phone jack or your PC's 3.5mm aux out. You don't need a separate standalone DAC but a DAC generally will provide better sound quality than your phone or PC.
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- D J on Mar 9, 2019
- Purchased on Feb 24, 2019
No it works perfectly with a source input and good headphones.
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- Daniel W on Mar 9, 2019
- Purchased on Feb 17, 2019
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I would like to run 2x75ft of these from my zone 2 (analogue audio) on a Denon receiver to a Monoprice headphone amplifier on the other side of a bedroom. Will I experience any noticeable degradation? Thanks!
Merrick M
on Apr 21, 2019
Monolith by Monoprice Liquid Spark Headphone Amplifier by Alex Cavalli
Denon AVR-X4400H 9.2 Channel Dolby Atmos & DTS:X 4K Ultra HD Network AV Receiver with HEOS
Monoprice Onix Series Digital Coaxial Audio/Video RCA Subwoofer CL2 Rated Cable, RG-6/U 75-ohm 75ft
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
You would not experience any signal degradation at that distance.
You would not experience any signal degradation at that distance.
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- Tyler C Staff on Sep 24, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
You would not experience any signal degradation at that distance.
You would not experience any signal degradation at that distance.
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- Tyler C Staff on Sep 24, 2019
RCA connected single ended cables are generally used at shorter distances. For longer distances XLR connected balanced cables are recommended because of greatly improved noise cancelling/shielding and increased signal voltage. High quality optical toslink digital cables are recommended up to around 40 feet without degradation and could by extended by using quality powered splitters as boosters to a DAC- HP amp. Or, use short optical cable to Bluetooth 5.0 Apt-X HD transmitter for HQ Bluetooth wireless transmission to a similar receiver/DAC-HP amp. Cheers!
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- New User U on Mar 3, 2020
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I need to call need contact number?
A shopper
on Feb 28, 2020
BEST ANSWER: You can find all of our contact info on this page:
https://www.monoprice.com/help?pn=contact
Thank you
https://www.monoprice.com/help?pn=contact
Thank you
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- Tyler C Staff on Feb 28, 2020
BEST ANSWER: You can find all of our contact info on this page:
https://www.monoprice.com/help?pn=contact
Thank you
https://www.monoprice.com/help?pn=contact
Thank you
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- Tyler C Staff on Feb 28, 2020
Have you tried calling the customer service number?
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- David T on Feb 28, 2020
- Purchased on Apr 25, 2019
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Could The spark run a pair of fostex t50rp?
New User U
on Apr 3, 2020
BEST ANSWER: The T50RP is rated as having a resistance of 50 ohms, and the Spark is rated to put out 1500 millivolts at 50 ohms. Yes, it can run the T50RP.
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- Darryl G on Apr 3, 2020
- Purchased on Apr 7, 2019
BEST ANSWER: The T50RP is rated as having a resistance of 50 ohms, and the Spark is rated to put out 1500 millivolts at 50 ohms. Yes, it can run the T50RP.
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- Darryl G on Apr 3, 2020
- Purchased on Apr 7, 2019
Yes. But an upgrade is definitely recommended.
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- carlo r on Apr 3, 2020
- Purchased on May 2, 2019
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will this work well with monoprice electrostatic headphone?
New User U
on May 29, 2020
BEST ANSWER: No, it will not pair with the electrostatic headphone.
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- New User U Staff on Jun 1, 2020
BEST ANSWER: No, it will not pair with the electrostatic headphone.
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- New User U Staff on Jun 1, 2020
I have the Monoprice Modern Retro earphones and they work just fine with the Liquid Spark. The sound is fantastic.
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- Thomas S on May 29, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 12, 2019
thank you. are Monoprice Modern Retro earphones electrostatic?
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- New User U on May 29, 2020
I believe they are. I did a quick review of the subject on line and they seem to meet the criteria. However I confess to not being an expert in that field. So you might want to do some research on your own. Nothing in the literature that came with my phones specifically designates the drivers as electrostatic.
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how do you connect it to an old A/V Receiver without using the pre out and only using RCA Cables?
A shopper
on Dec 6, 2020
BEST ANSWER: You would need to use the preamp output, or a monitor output from the receiver.
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- New User U Staff on Dec 7, 2020
BEST ANSWER: You would need to use the preamp output, or a monitor output from the receiver.
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- New User U Staff on Dec 7, 2020
I would connect it to the tape (record) out of your receiver. This is a constant level output, unaffected by main volume setting. This way you have independent control of headphone volume (via the Liquid Spark's volume control) and speaker volume (via the receiver's volume control).
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- New User U on Jan 28, 2023
- Purchased on May 19, 2022
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WIll this adequately drive 600ohm headphones?
MB M
on Feb 13, 2021
BEST ANSWER: Based on the specs, it technically should. I would imagine that it will not be ear shaking but very decent. I have this amp but using it on 250Ohm Open Back Beyerdynamic DT990Pro and it sounds really good. Granted that it’s almost half the Ohm you have.
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- Krisen P on Feb 14, 2021
- Purchased on Mar 21, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Based on the specs, it technically should. I would imagine that it will not be ear shaking but very decent. I have this amp but using it on 250Ohm Open Back Beyerdynamic DT990Pro and it sounds really good. Granted that it’s almost half the Ohm you have.
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- Krisen P on Feb 14, 2021
- Purchased on Mar 21, 2020
I use it to drive 250 ohm Beyerdynamic 990 phones and it has plenty of volume to spare. It's a great little amp
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- Kyle W on Feb 13, 2021
- Purchased on May 22, 2020
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What is the DAC on this with Windows 10 PC ?
A shopper
on Feb 24, 2021
BEST ANSWER: Computer audio requires a minimum of a DAC and an amp. The computer sends the digital signal as input to the DAC. The DAC converts the digital signal to an analog signal and sends the analog signal to the amp.
You can use the DAC in your PC or a separate DAC. The model of DAC on your PC motherboard may vary from one model of computer to the another.
Monoprice carries multiple DAC’s including "Monolith by Monoprice Liquid Spark DAC by Alex Cavalli “ which looks like a good companion product for this amp.
You can use the DAC in your PC or a separate DAC. The model of DAC on your PC motherboard may vary from one model of computer to the another.
Monoprice carries multiple DAC’s including "Monolith by Monoprice Liquid Spark DAC by Alex Cavalli “ which looks like a good companion product for this amp.
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- D V on Feb 24, 2021
- Purchased on May 22, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Computer audio requires a minimum of a DAC and an amp. The computer sends the digital signal as input to the DAC. The DAC converts the digital signal to an analog signal and sends the analog signal to the amp.
You can use the DAC in your PC or a separate DAC. The model of DAC on your PC motherboard may vary from one model of computer to the another.
Monoprice carries multiple DAC’s including "Monolith by Monoprice Liquid Spark DAC by Alex Cavalli “ which looks like a good companion product for this amp.
You can use the DAC in your PC or a separate DAC. The model of DAC on your PC motherboard may vary from one model of computer to the another.
Monoprice carries multiple DAC’s including "Monolith by Monoprice Liquid Spark DAC by Alex Cavalli “ which looks like a good companion product for this amp.
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- D V on Feb 24, 2021
- Purchased on May 22, 2020
Liquid Spark amplifier...I have it setup with a DAC and it produces great sound. But this is an amp only.
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- Omni S on Feb 25, 2021
- Purchased on May 22, 2020
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Rated 5 out of 5
One great headphone amplifier!
Just excellent. I'm using it with a pair of HiFiMan planar headphones that need extra power to open up. The Liquid Spark headphone amplifier makes it happen. Just a great amp!
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Rated 5 out of 5
best bargain i've had in a long time
was looking for a small inexpensive headphone amp to bide
me over till i got a much more expensive unit. then something
happened i wasn't expecting. plugging into my cobalt dac and using my ananda stealths, i discovered that this was a combination that sounded so good, that i wasn't thinking about replacing it with the much more expensive one. this is a sound quality i wll live with for the present, and don't feel compelled to upgrade anytime soon. of course, you know i'll get the more expensive one in the future, but i'm not sure the difference will be worth the extra money spent.
me over till i got a much more expensive unit. then something
happened i wasn't expecting. plugging into my cobalt dac and using my ananda stealths, i discovered that this was a combination that sounded so good, that i wasn't thinking about replacing it with the much more expensive one. this is a sound quality i wll live with for the present, and don't feel compelled to upgrade anytime soon. of course, you know i'll get the more expensive one in the future, but i'm not sure the difference will be worth the extra money spent.
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Rated 5 out of 5
Guter Klang
Spielt gut, guter Klang. Hat genug Leistung für alle Kopfhörer. MFG
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Rated 5 out of 5
Excellent and very affordable entry-level audio tech. This tiny, but powerful little amp 'ticked' all the right boxes I was looking for: product ratings/reviews, features, price and of course Monoprice's amazeballz quality and support (haven't needed any with this little gem, but good to know as they've always backed up their promises with me in the past!). Huge sound-stage improvements with my simple set-up (I'm no audiophile by any stretch!). Using with a mid to high-end, PC based 4k TV entertainment system (note to elitist snobs: yes, even for superb 120htz gaming) . Literally doubled the way I hear 'surround' on Sennheiser 650x headphones! Hearing stuff I never heard before (a dude popping open a beer BEHIND me in a familiar, crowded party scene This unit alone did that, I hadn't made any other changes!
TL;DR ... get this bad-boy, you'll be glad you did! (and watch for MP's sales happening constantly!)
- JW (Not a review shill, for anybody! 'Click all the boxes with cats', Ha!)
TL;DR ... get this bad-boy, you'll be glad you did! (and watch for MP's sales happening constantly!)
- JW (Not a review shill, for anybody! 'Click all the boxes with cats', Ha!)
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Rated 5 out of 5
As advertised
So far so good. As someone with only pro-sumer level gear, I'm satisfied with this product as far as clarity and lack of noise. Is it mind-blowing? No, but it's reliable and portable. At this price, that's all I can ask for.
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Rated 5 out of 5
Excellent headphone amp!
Amazing headphone amp. Brings out detail from all my DACs. I use with Sundara headphones. Sturdy construction and long power cable. This is now my desktop amp because its sound is addictive.
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Rated 5 out of 5
Great solution for the price
Great build quality and a perfect addition to my Elac Discovery
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Rated 2 out of 5
Only drives 'some' headphones.
Ironically it will not drive my M1070 headphones properly. Very disappointing.
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Rated 5 out of 5
Fantastic Little Powerhouse Preamp Right Out Of The Box!
A little powerhouse preamp that sounds GREAT straight out of the box. Plenty of gain to drive any headphone. Solid low end, clean and dynamic. However...if you want to kick it up to a whole new level here is a simple mod. (Warning: you are voiding any warranty if you do this mod) If you are familiar with circuit board layout and have the correct tools and solder, it will take an hour of your time. Otherwise, take it to a technician which shouldn't cost more than $50 or so. You'll need two 1000 uF 50 volt electrolytic audio grade capacitors ($2.00 each) solder each across the + and - 18 volt test points on the little marked strip on the board. WOW, what a difference! Bass is tighter and more powerful, mid-range is smoother, top end is sweeter, and there is more depth and sense of space. I compared it, before and after the mod, to three very expensive preamps and the result is so stunning that it comes very, very close to preamps costing 20 times the price! WHAT A BARGAIN! Kudos to the great designer Alex Cavalli. Remember though, it's a beauty right out of the box even without the mod.
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Rated 5 out of 5
Amazing build quality. Very capable amp
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